Rituals and traditions of Día de los Muertos
Coco may have encountered the popular Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The central theme of the movie accurately depicts the colors and sentiments behind the celebration, but the Day of the Dead has a deeper cultural and spiritual meaning to those who celebrate it.
Día de los Muertos is a week-long celebration in which families honor their ancestors and other loved ones who have passed away.
The festival is a celebration of life and death. The week long celebration includes prayers and other rituals in remembrance of the family member's lives before their death.
During the course of the week, people believe that their loved ones and ancestors who have died would cross over and visit their loved ones.
As part of the ritual, families leave their loved one's favorite food and drink, in reembrace.
Garza said the foundation of family is highly valued in Mexican culture, making this holiday important because it helps keep the memory of the dead alive.
During Día de los Muertos, there are specific days reserved for loved ones who come and visit. On Oct.
27, families celebrate their pets who have passed. On Oct. 28, many begin to light the first candle and place a white flower to welcome the lost souls.
On Oct.
29, the next candle is lit, and a glass of water is placed for the lonely and forgotten souls, who do not have family members to remember them.
On Oct. 30, a third candle is lit, and another glass of water is placed along with a piece of bread dedicated to those who passed in tragic or fatal accidents.
On Oct. 31, a fourth candle is lit along with a glass of water and a piece of bread with fruit such as oranges, mandarines, and guavas.
